A new North Carolina student safety survey shows fewer high school students reporting weapons, fights and safety-related absences, but the results also reveal continued concerns about sadness, self-harm and suicide.
Results from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s 2025 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey were presented to the State Board of Education this week.
Fewer Weapons and Fights Reported at School
The share of students who reported carrying a weapon on school property fell from 3.1% in 2023 to 1.1% in 2025. The percentage reporting physical fights declined from 22% to 16.4%.
Fewer students also said they missed school because they felt unsafe. That figure dropped from 14.6% in 2023 to 9.9% in the latest survey.
Mental-Health Challenges Remain
While the safety indicators improved, 29% of high school students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness. That was down from 39% two years earlier but still represented nearly three in every 10 students.
The survey also found that 11.4% of students had seriously considered suicide, while 15% reported self-harm.
DPI officials said they are responding with earlier prevention efforts, coordinated student-support services and stronger behavior systems. Mental-health professionals encourage parents and caregivers to notice changes such as withdrawal, increased quietness or a child expressing that they do not fit in.
The North Carolina student safety survey suggests progress in several areas while emphasizing the need for continued communication and support. Anyone experiencing a mental-health crisis can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction survey data, as reported by Jamiese Price for ABC11.
